17 replies to this topic

[dattoman]

Lead wiping is an old panel trick

Used by many manufacturers in production as well as old school guys not wanting to use bog

 

 

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=LVEKxsdA07w

[madtoranajzedded]

Great vids Datto..they make it look soo easy.

[tsn007]

is it legal?

[S pack]

70/30 solder, or 'wiping metal' as plumbers called it only contains 30% lead, the other 70% is tin. The higher the tin content the lower the melting point.

[V-SLR5000-P]

Solder will fill small holes no problems. You can indent the panel a little to get more solder over the hole.

[Rockoz]

Solder is good for filling but really needs mechanical assistance for strength.

If it is used for joining without mechanical help it may vibrate itself to be brittle enough to seperate.

 

In plumbing the sleeve fit of pipes gives it mechanical strength.

But it isnt legal for plumbing anymore.

 

In electrical a cable is joined mechanically by twisting to give the joint strength and the solder is used to hold it together.

 

Bakers Soldering fluid is corrosive and will definitely need to be cleaned off well.

 

If you have just soldered the holes I expect that they will probably fail eventually in much the same way as bogging holes will.

It will take longer. You might get lucky and not have it happen.

 

If you

[S pack]

As long as there is no mechanical force trying to pull the repair away from the parent metal then the lead wipe will far outlast any plastic fillers.

Agree with previously posted comments, thoroughly wash down the work area with clean water to remove any flux residue and blow dry any joints and crevices with compressed air.

Edited by S pack, 26 March 2017 - 07:57 PM.

[grumpy xu1]

When gmh ect lead wiped their joins in the first place "they were welded behind & ground,just like the prep for polyester fillers, in no circumstances did they just chuck a piece of steel behind & wack some lead over it" + you're running the risk of map edges. Tig, oxy, welds are soft enough to be able to file, why not weld it & do the job properly in the first place. That's why it's a 4 year trade. Just like plumbing ect. Bog is made to fill "imperfections" not holes ! & if it's prepared & used properly & good quality it's fine to use. This is a general comment just giving you a response from a trades person, not aimed at anyone. Gary.

[71xu1]

I wouldn't be placing a patch behind, the correct steps are mechanically clean as you have done including running a slightly larger drill bit through, then slightly indent the hole area to provide good purchase for the lead and a tapered fill so you do not have to sand level so you see the edge of the hole. Tin the metal panelbeaters lead is different in a couple of ways, melting point and it is much more sticky. If done properly lead will last a very long time. As others have said just make sure to neutralise the flux.

[S pack]

Tin the metal panelbeaters lead is different in a couple of ways, melting point and it is much more sticky. If done properly lead will last a very long time. As others have said just make sure to neutralise the flux.

Sorry Dave I don't get what you mean by panel beaters lead is more sticky and melting point?

A stick of 70/30 or 60/40 or 50/50 etc (tin/lead) solder is the same regardless of whether a panel beater, a plumber, a sheetmetal worker or anybody else is using it.

How well any solder will stick depends on how clean the substrate is (tinning the work piece is essential) and the melting point of solder is determined by the tin content. More tin less lead = lower melting point and vise versa.

Edited by S pack, 27 March 2017 - 11:28 AM.

[Rockoz]

S Pack

 

There are many different types of solder.

Electrical solder is 60/40 for instance.

The percentages of tin and lead vary a few things including melting point.

One of those would be the workability or mouldability of the solder.

Whether or not you can work it.

You will probably find that the "lead" that panel beaters use is a lot different to the solder that electricians for instance might use.

[S pack]

S Pack

 

There are many different types of solder.

Electrical solder is 60/40 for instance.

The percentages of tin and lead vary a few things including melting point.

One of those would be the workability or mouldability of the solder.

Whether or not you can work it.

You will probably find that the "lead" that panel beaters use is a lot different to the solder that electricians for instance might use.

Yes Rob, I am aware there are many different types of solder.

We used to use 60/40 and 50/50 for soldering all our gutter, downpipe and sheet metal flashing joints in the days before zincalume and silicone sealer and we used 70/30 for wiping lead pipe joints.

All solders have a plastic state in which you can form and shape them but it is a narrow temperature band that will vary between solders of differing tin/lead ratios.

Electricians use rosin core solder so not quite the same thing as what a panel beater or plumber or sheet metal worker is will use.

 

Cheers

Dave.

 

[71xu1]

I can't recall the ratios but from experience in using it and purchasing it, it is a specific ratio and is known as panelbeaters lead. It sticks much better on vertical surfaces, has less sag, different melting point and is more workable. Yes prep is the key and yes all leads will stick if prep is done properly but specific to the task.

[S pack]

I can't recall the ratios but from experience in using it and purchasing it, it is a specific ratio and is known as panelbeaters lead. It sticks much better on vertical surfaces, has less sag, different melting point and is more workable. Yes prep is the key and yes all leads will stick if prep is done properly but specific to the task.

I suspect this will be a case of the same animal known by different industry specific names.

 

 

Edited by S pack, 27 March 2017 - 11:49 PM.

[71xu1]

That's what I'm thinking as well.